Mission and Vision

Freedom Forum is a collective initiative of policy researchers, advocates and academicians committed to democracy, human rights, press freedom and equitable development of society or the nation.

Total freedom is the eternal desire of human civilization, and it is our firm conviction that nothing is more valuable than freedom.

Thus, the mission of this organization is to work, in whatever way possible, to safeguard the fundamental freedoms of citizens in full adherence to modern democratic norms and values.

The Forum believes that ideal democracy would not be a far cry if people, especially professionals with knowledge, skill and zeal come together to work for the progress of the nation. This organization has come into being with the aim and vision of making sincere and collective efforts towards the resolution of conflict, restoration of peace and establishment of an ‘inclusive’ democracy in Nepal . For this press freedom, human rights and civil liberty are quite essential.

Democracy : The Forum and its activities are broadly concerned with civil liberty, democratic and fair electoral mechanism, dialogue, party building, reform in governance, conflict transformation and the peace building, constitutional reform and other areas that have direct bearing with democratic norms and practices.

Human rights : The Forum’s concerns on human rights are inspired by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and related international conventions, treaties and instruments. It stresses respect to the people’s right to life, right to medical care, right to education, right to equal and fair social treatment as well as the right to hold political/ideological beliefs.

Media freedom and freedom of Expression : The Forum works to ensure that the mass media is able to play its role as the Fourth Estate and that it enjoys the independence and freedom to disseminate information without any hindrance. The Forum considers freedom of Expression and the people’s ‘right to information’ as fundamental trait of an equitable, prosperous and democratic society. It also works to enhance media professionalism and make it socially more responsible.

Freedom Forum

Five-year strategic priorities, plans and program areas

(2016 to 2021 AD)

The five-year priority areas of Freedom Forum are as follows

Protection and promotion of freedom of press and of expression

Promotion and development of professional journalism

Defending journalists, Right to Information activists and freedom of expression practitioners

Policy and legal study, research and advocacy for evidence-based media reforms

Promotion, protection and practice of the right to information

Proactive civic watchdog for the promotion of good governance

Study, research, practice and evidence-based advocacy of Open Data

Research/study, promotion and evidence-based advocacy of Open Budget

Research/study and advocacy in the area Internet freedom

Policy study and advocacy in various sectors of Public Financial Management

Research/study and advocacy to advance social accountability and responsibility

Promotion of human rights and democratic norms and values

Research/study, civic monitoring, oversight and education and advocacy for the guarantee of free and fair elections

Promotion of the use of media, Right to Information, Open Data and Public Financial Management (PFM) tools to support the movement and campaign for social justice and development of disadvantaged people

Research and advocacy for the establishment and advancement of Public Service Broadcasting

Research and advocacy in the area of parliamentary transparency and political accountability

Contribution to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through exchange of ideas, experience and learning at national and international level being focused on attaining the targets of Goal 16

Affiliation and participation in regional and global networks related to transparency, right to information, freedom of expression, free and professional press, civic engagement and Open Government Partnership

freedom Forum will adopt following strategic approaches in the areas of above mentioned strategic priorities

Collaboration with CSO/government/academic institutions/media and international organizations and networks

Media mobilization

Institutional capacity development and transfer

Dialogue and facilitation

Networking at local, national and international level

Sustainability

Freedom Forum will raise and mobilize fund and supports from national and international donors and development partners by formulating programmes and projects in consistent with the priority areas and strategic approaches

Freedom Forum will not receive any government aid and subsidy for institutional management and operation apart from the operation of collaborative project in the strategic priority areas

Freedom Forum will remain fully committed to the values of institutional governance, transparency and civic freedom and adopt them in practice accordingly within the organization

Freedom Forum will adopt into practice the values and principles of gender equity and anti-discrimination

Freedom Forum’s mission is to sustain its interventions as an academic and knowledge centre

It was endorsed by the general assembly of the organization held on 7 February 2016.

Editors of various media outlets have objected to the Media Council Bill, saying it is against democratic norms and the spirit of the constitution.
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